Hi Friends,
I have been busy working on my game and getting ready to kick off the "busy" season! I had the pleasure of working with my coach, Tom Lynch, during his visit for 3 days earlier this week and looking forward to upcoming events. Here is what is in store:
March 9-11 Florida Women's Open www.suncoastseries.com
March 20-22 Duramed Futures Tour-Winter Haven, FL www.duramedfuturestour.com
April 3-5 Duramed Futures Tour-Daytona Beach, FL www.duramedfuturestour.com
A recent visit from Connecticut friend, Jimmy Fitzpatrick and his friend Brad (Jimmy is an aspiring PGA Tour player and a buddy I have played a lot of golf with over the past few years) helped to get the competitive juices flowing.
Will report with upcoming results! Thanks for reading,
Mary
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
A win on the Moonlight!!
Hi Friends,
A quick update with more to come...I shot 75 today and won a one day Moonlight Tour event at Huntington Hills! The link won't be up for long but check out the following link for results and a swing video.
More details soon,
Mary
A quick update with more to come...I shot 75 today and won a one day Moonlight Tour event at Huntington Hills! The link won't be up for long but check out the following link for results and a swing video.
More details soon,
Mary
Friday, January 30, 2009
A New Year
Hi friends,
I cannot believe it is almost February. Wow, how time flies.
I had a busy and restful (a forced rest :) holiday season. My brother, Andy, and sister-in-law, Mary, joined my mom and I for Christmas for a few days and we enjoyed some family time including trips to Tampa for a Tampa Bay Lightening Game and a day trip to St. Augustine. Mom and I headed north to Cleveland, OH for a few days right after the new year for a baby shower for my sister-in-law. In between all of the family activities I was working part-time at TPC Sawgrass and doing some substitute teaching. A sinus infection sidelined me for a few days as well as an unexpected cat bite that put me on antibiotics for ten days. Too much excitement!
After our return from Cleveland I started to put on my game face :). I learned that I have "C" status on the Duramed Futures Tour which should allow me to play in every event that I want. With that in mind I began my workouts and practices again with focus. In this vein, I decided to supplement my strength program with spinning classes in the gym. It's challenging but very satisfying to burn 500 calories in an hour or less! I am thankful for my friend Deb who calls me at 4:45AM so that I can be at the gym on time for my 5:30AM class on Tuesday and Thursdays!
My coach, Tom Lynch, was in town for a few days this week on his way to Orlando and will be returning for a few more days before he departs for Pennsylvania. His visit has really helped me refine some things on which I am working and getting me prepared for the season ahead. I plan to head to Orlando on Sunday, February 8th for my first event of the season on the SunCoast Tour. After that I plan to play in the Florida Women's Open in early March and the first two Duramed Futures Tour events in Florida (Winter Haven and Daytona Beach) in March and early April.
I will keep you posted on the rest of the winter and spring as my schedule comes together but I do expect to spend most of my time based out of Jacksonville this year. For various reasons, it's been tough to move up north every spring and then move south again in the fall. Bottom line, I am trying to stretch my budget as far as possible and being in one place for the whole year makes a lot of sense. I will continue to work at TPC Sawgrass part-time and commute to Orlando to play in a lot of SunCoast Tour events.
I am looking forward to a fruitful season and an opportunity to compete. I am especially excited about the prospect of qualifying for the US Women's Open which will be held at my home course where I learned to play the game, Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Personally, I feel very refreshed after some time at home and an opportunity to get more invested in my church community and friendships in Jacksonville. I am very thankful for two groups of women who I am currently participating in a bible study with...the women of Christ Church and the women of Neptune Baptist Church. They have helped me "stay the course" and reminded me of where my hope and purpose is found.
Looking forward to sharing the year with you! More soon...
Mary
I cannot believe it is almost February. Wow, how time flies.
I had a busy and restful (a forced rest :) holiday season. My brother, Andy, and sister-in-law, Mary, joined my mom and I for Christmas for a few days and we enjoyed some family time including trips to Tampa for a Tampa Bay Lightening Game and a day trip to St. Augustine. Mom and I headed north to Cleveland, OH for a few days right after the new year for a baby shower for my sister-in-law. In between all of the family activities I was working part-time at TPC Sawgrass and doing some substitute teaching. A sinus infection sidelined me for a few days as well as an unexpected cat bite that put me on antibiotics for ten days. Too much excitement!
After our return from Cleveland I started to put on my game face :). I learned that I have "C" status on the Duramed Futures Tour which should allow me to play in every event that I want. With that in mind I began my workouts and practices again with focus. In this vein, I decided to supplement my strength program with spinning classes in the gym. It's challenging but very satisfying to burn 500 calories in an hour or less! I am thankful for my friend Deb who calls me at 4:45AM so that I can be at the gym on time for my 5:30AM class on Tuesday and Thursdays!
My coach, Tom Lynch, was in town for a few days this week on his way to Orlando and will be returning for a few more days before he departs for Pennsylvania. His visit has really helped me refine some things on which I am working and getting me prepared for the season ahead. I plan to head to Orlando on Sunday, February 8th for my first event of the season on the SunCoast Tour. After that I plan to play in the Florida Women's Open in early March and the first two Duramed Futures Tour events in Florida (Winter Haven and Daytona Beach) in March and early April.
I will keep you posted on the rest of the winter and spring as my schedule comes together but I do expect to spend most of my time based out of Jacksonville this year. For various reasons, it's been tough to move up north every spring and then move south again in the fall. Bottom line, I am trying to stretch my budget as far as possible and being in one place for the whole year makes a lot of sense. I will continue to work at TPC Sawgrass part-time and commute to Orlando to play in a lot of SunCoast Tour events.
I am looking forward to a fruitful season and an opportunity to compete. I am especially excited about the prospect of qualifying for the US Women's Open which will be held at my home course where I learned to play the game, Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Personally, I feel very refreshed after some time at home and an opportunity to get more invested in my church community and friendships in Jacksonville. I am very thankful for two groups of women who I am currently participating in a bible study with...the women of Christ Church and the women of Neptune Baptist Church. They have helped me "stay the course" and reminded me of where my hope and purpose is found.
Looking forward to sharing the year with you! More soon...
Mary
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Q-school review
Hi everyone,
As reported last week, I played great at Futures Qualifying in early November. What a boost of confidence! I knew things were coming together as my play was getting progressively better since early September. Here are some of my observations from the week.
Relaxation
After playing so much golf over the last few months I knew it was important to be loose and relaxed before each round. If I have access to one, a hot tub has been really helpful in keeping my muscles warm and limber. Stretching each morning has also helped me as well as using a foam roller for self massage (it can be torture at first as you "iron" out the tightness but well worth it!). The first round I came out of the blocks slow and it took me awhile to get settled. I had stretched that morning but I had not taken advantage of the hot tub. Needless to say, the hot tub became part of my morning routine starting the second round.
Driving to the course each morning I felt very loose, warm and free of tension. I feel this calmness helped me to transition well to the course each day.
Short game/putting
The first round was a lackluster putting round for me. When I am in the middle of an event it's always been my opinion to make small changes, if any at all. As I practiced post-round the first day, I noticed a small detail of my putting routine that I had neglected. Typically, as I take my practice putting strokes, I am looking at my target or the break point of the putt where I want the putt to die. Well, I caught myself looking down at the ball during my practice strokes. I tweaked this small detail and was able to get back on track with my putting over my last three rounds. I went from 33 putts the first round to 25 the second day (outstanding!), 27 the 3rd round and 29 the final round. I am glad I recognized this small change and adjusted quickly!
My short game was really solid all week. I was able to successfully get up and down 76.6% of the time. Very solid! I felt like a key for me was really reacting to the conditions and going with the shot or club I was feeling in my first assessment. I felt like my decisions were "athletic," like how a shooter reacts to a basket or a pitcher reacts to a hitter. All I did was focus on what I saw (low shot, high shot, soft shot, etc) and went with my gut. I was really excited about the results as I trusted in my instincts.
Belief/tunnel vision
Although it took me some time to settle down on the front nine in the first round, I felt like after getting through that short spell I continued to really believe in my process (which I have perfected thanks to my coaches and Dr. Fabbri, my sport psychologist). All I did was get my yardage, see the shot I wanted to hit and stayed committed to that shot until the ball landed. Sounds simple but it has taken some discipline and training to do it every single time. A reassurance that I should not give up on my process was on the 10th hole of the 1st round. I stood at 6 over par after 9 holes and was a little fired up because I knew I could do better. I hit a great drive on the 10th and had 8 iron into the green. I watched the ball sail towards the green, take one bounce and hit the pin. It didn't go in for eagle but it left me a short putt for birdie. I converted and was able to get back on track to finish the first round respectably, playing my last 9 holes in only one over par.
Another key was also beliving in my OWN game and playing within myself. For example, on my 15th hole, during the first round, I had a key decision to make. It's a longish par 5 with a a hazard to negotiate. If I don't hit a great drive or it's into the wind I have to lay up to the hazard. I could allow myself to get frustrated as I see my competitiors advance it over the hazard and not have to lay up but I STUCK TO MY GAMEPLAN. I had a solid par on that hole, sticking to my process.
I felt like I was able to deflect potential distractions successfully this week. There can be so many distractions like my own expectations, other players and the list goes on! I felt at peace, calm and able to put aside these potential road bumps.
Fun
Bottom line is that it was a fun week for me. I enjoyed each round, peservered when presented with obstacles and never gave up. What a great way to end a season and begin a new one.
What's next
I am back in Jacksonville and beginning to figure out what my off-season plans are. I accepted a part-time position working in the golf shop at TPC Sawgrass and am thrilled to join the team there. I will be continuing to play and practice out there as well. I also plan on doing some substitute teaching and working for another company on short term projects as they become available. I would like to try to get to Orlando once a month to play on the SunCoast tour and keep my game sharp. I hope to compete again shortly after the new year. I will let you know about my schedule as it comes together.
I am excited for the 2009 season as this will be one of the first times that I can really craft my schedule. I should get into every Futures tour event, including the high purse invitationals. In addition, I am also very excited about the fact that the US Women's Open will be contested at my home course where I learned how to play the game, Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Very exciting things lay ahead!
I will post more soon. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I am certainly thankful for all the well wishes and support now, and over the years,
Mary
As reported last week, I played great at Futures Qualifying in early November. What a boost of confidence! I knew things were coming together as my play was getting progressively better since early September. Here are some of my observations from the week.
Relaxation
After playing so much golf over the last few months I knew it was important to be loose and relaxed before each round. If I have access to one, a hot tub has been really helpful in keeping my muscles warm and limber. Stretching each morning has also helped me as well as using a foam roller for self massage (it can be torture at first as you "iron" out the tightness but well worth it!). The first round I came out of the blocks slow and it took me awhile to get settled. I had stretched that morning but I had not taken advantage of the hot tub. Needless to say, the hot tub became part of my morning routine starting the second round.
Driving to the course each morning I felt very loose, warm and free of tension. I feel this calmness helped me to transition well to the course each day.
Short game/putting
The first round was a lackluster putting round for me. When I am in the middle of an event it's always been my opinion to make small changes, if any at all. As I practiced post-round the first day, I noticed a small detail of my putting routine that I had neglected. Typically, as I take my practice putting strokes, I am looking at my target or the break point of the putt where I want the putt to die. Well, I caught myself looking down at the ball during my practice strokes. I tweaked this small detail and was able to get back on track with my putting over my last three rounds. I went from 33 putts the first round to 25 the second day (outstanding!), 27 the 3rd round and 29 the final round. I am glad I recognized this small change and adjusted quickly!
My short game was really solid all week. I was able to successfully get up and down 76.6% of the time. Very solid! I felt like a key for me was really reacting to the conditions and going with the shot or club I was feeling in my first assessment. I felt like my decisions were "athletic," like how a shooter reacts to a basket or a pitcher reacts to a hitter. All I did was focus on what I saw (low shot, high shot, soft shot, etc) and went with my gut. I was really excited about the results as I trusted in my instincts.
Belief/tunnel vision
Although it took me some time to settle down on the front nine in the first round, I felt like after getting through that short spell I continued to really believe in my process (which I have perfected thanks to my coaches and Dr. Fabbri, my sport psychologist). All I did was get my yardage, see the shot I wanted to hit and stayed committed to that shot until the ball landed. Sounds simple but it has taken some discipline and training to do it every single time. A reassurance that I should not give up on my process was on the 10th hole of the 1st round. I stood at 6 over par after 9 holes and was a little fired up because I knew I could do better. I hit a great drive on the 10th and had 8 iron into the green. I watched the ball sail towards the green, take one bounce and hit the pin. It didn't go in for eagle but it left me a short putt for birdie. I converted and was able to get back on track to finish the first round respectably, playing my last 9 holes in only one over par.
Another key was also beliving in my OWN game and playing within myself. For example, on my 15th hole, during the first round, I had a key decision to make. It's a longish par 5 with a a hazard to negotiate. If I don't hit a great drive or it's into the wind I have to lay up to the hazard. I could allow myself to get frustrated as I see my competitiors advance it over the hazard and not have to lay up but I STUCK TO MY GAMEPLAN. I had a solid par on that hole, sticking to my process.
I felt like I was able to deflect potential distractions successfully this week. There can be so many distractions like my own expectations, other players and the list goes on! I felt at peace, calm and able to put aside these potential road bumps.
Fun
Bottom line is that it was a fun week for me. I enjoyed each round, peservered when presented with obstacles and never gave up. What a great way to end a season and begin a new one.
What's next
I am back in Jacksonville and beginning to figure out what my off-season plans are. I accepted a part-time position working in the golf shop at TPC Sawgrass and am thrilled to join the team there. I will be continuing to play and practice out there as well. I also plan on doing some substitute teaching and working for another company on short term projects as they become available. I would like to try to get to Orlando once a month to play on the SunCoast tour and keep my game sharp. I hope to compete again shortly after the new year. I will let you know about my schedule as it comes together.
I am excited for the 2009 season as this will be one of the first times that I can really craft my schedule. I should get into every Futures tour event, including the high purse invitationals. In addition, I am also very excited about the fact that the US Women's Open will be contested at my home course where I learned how to play the game, Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Very exciting things lay ahead!
I will post more soon. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I am certainly thankful for all the well wishes and support now, and over the years,
Mary
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH
Hi everyone,
I have some great news to share! I had a great week at Duramed Futures Tour Qualifying! I shot rounds of 79-72-71-76 to finish T68th out of 312 players. This finish gives me great status for the tour next year and also gives me a tremendous boost of confidence! I will write more details soon about the week. Looking forward to sharing more with you.
Until later,
Mary
I have some great news to share! I had a great week at Duramed Futures Tour Qualifying! I shot rounds of 79-72-71-76 to finish T68th out of 312 players. This finish gives me great status for the tour next year and also gives me a tremendous boost of confidence! I will write more details soon about the week. Looking forward to sharing more with you.
Until later,
Mary
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Lakeland Week 2 & book recommendation
Hi everyone,
After a relaxing weekend in Tampa (and taking in a Neil Diamond concert and a Tampa Bay Lightning game!) I teed it up at Imperial Lakes Country Club in a SunCoast tour event.
We were greeted with record low temperatures and windy conditions the first round (brrrr...). After a two over 38 on the front nine I limped in with 42 on the back to shoot 80. The wind over the last 4 holes produced 4 bogeys on my card. I knew I struck the ball too well that day, despite the conditions, to shoot a round that high. I was a bit fired up and ready for a comeback the next day.
Well, the next day was a comeback and I was able to harness my fire about my 1st round finish into a positive outcome. After a 1 over steady front nine (6 pars, 1 birdie, 2 bogeys) I finished with a one under 34 on the back. Highlights included birdies on 2 of my last 4 holes (a little revenge after the previous day's finish). An even par 72 put me in the mix for the final round.
I had a great pairing for the final round and had the opportunity to play with a solid Futures tour player and a current LPGA player and former US Women's Amateur Champion. My short game seemed to elude me, after being so strong the first 2 days, and I found myself 4 over after 14 holes. I was really hanging in there but two bogeys and one double bogey over the last 4 holes found me at 8 over par, 80.
It was really a good week for me. I feel like both rounds of 80 were the worst I could have shot and I learned so much from the experience this week. My ball striking over the past 4 events has improved dramatically; I am very pleased with my progress. Oh, and I did make a check which was great! You can check out full results by clicking here. I am excited and ready for Futures Qualifying this coming week!
I will be resting and doing some preparation over this weekend. You can follow results this week (we begin play on election day) at the Duramed Futures Tour website.
I wanted to share with you a book recommendation. I recently had the opportunity to re-connect with a college teammate, Bob Smiley. He is the author of a new book about Tiger Woods called Follow The Roar. Bob followed Tiger every hole of the 2008 season hoping to glean some wisdom from his play. The release date for the book is November 11th. Check it out!
Thanks for reading. More from Futures tour qualifying next week!
Mary
After a relaxing weekend in Tampa (and taking in a Neil Diamond concert and a Tampa Bay Lightning game!) I teed it up at Imperial Lakes Country Club in a SunCoast tour event.
We were greeted with record low temperatures and windy conditions the first round (brrrr...). After a two over 38 on the front nine I limped in with 42 on the back to shoot 80. The wind over the last 4 holes produced 4 bogeys on my card. I knew I struck the ball too well that day, despite the conditions, to shoot a round that high. I was a bit fired up and ready for a comeback the next day.
Well, the next day was a comeback and I was able to harness my fire about my 1st round finish into a positive outcome. After a 1 over steady front nine (6 pars, 1 birdie, 2 bogeys) I finished with a one under 34 on the back. Highlights included birdies on 2 of my last 4 holes (a little revenge after the previous day's finish). An even par 72 put me in the mix for the final round.
I had a great pairing for the final round and had the opportunity to play with a solid Futures tour player and a current LPGA player and former US Women's Amateur Champion. My short game seemed to elude me, after being so strong the first 2 days, and I found myself 4 over after 14 holes. I was really hanging in there but two bogeys and one double bogey over the last 4 holes found me at 8 over par, 80.
It was really a good week for me. I feel like both rounds of 80 were the worst I could have shot and I learned so much from the experience this week. My ball striking over the past 4 events has improved dramatically; I am very pleased with my progress. Oh, and I did make a check which was great! You can check out full results by clicking here. I am excited and ready for Futures Qualifying this coming week!
I will be resting and doing some preparation over this weekend. You can follow results this week (we begin play on election day) at the Duramed Futures Tour website.
I wanted to share with you a book recommendation. I recently had the opportunity to re-connect with a college teammate, Bob Smiley. He is the author of a new book about Tiger Woods called Follow The Roar. Bob followed Tiger every hole of the 2008 season hoping to glean some wisdom from his play. The release date for the book is November 11th. Check it out!
Thanks for reading. More from Futures tour qualifying next week!
Mary
Friday, October 24, 2008
Lakeland Week 1 update
Hi everyone,
My first week in Lakeland is wrapping up. I competed in a SunCoast Series event at Huntington Hills, which is one of the courses we will compete on for Duramed Futures Tour qualifying. Check out full results.
I shot rounds of 77-79-77 to finish T27th. I have continued my streak of 8 rounds in a row under 80, which is definitely encouraging. What I thought I would do is tell you about my week in the Good, Better, How format. If you recall I used this way of analyzing my play in an earlier blog entry.
What was GOOD this week:
My first week in Lakeland is wrapping up. I competed in a SunCoast Series event at Huntington Hills, which is one of the courses we will compete on for Duramed Futures Tour qualifying. Check out full results.
I shot rounds of 77-79-77 to finish T27th. I have continued my streak of 8 rounds in a row under 80, which is definitely encouraging. What I thought I would do is tell you about my week in the Good, Better, How format. If you recall I used this way of analyzing my play in an earlier blog entry.
What was GOOD this week:
- Putting-I averaged 29.3 putts/round. Anything under 30 is pretty solid.
- Driving-I hit 85% of possible fairways this week.
- Up & Downs-I was able to get up and down for par 64% of the time and during the 1st round alone I got up and down 8 out of 11 times.
- Consistency-Made 14 pars each round. Really pleased with the steadiness.
- Decisiveness-Played briskly and assertively, with confidence. This has been a goal of mine.
- Transistion-Was pleased with my transistion back to Florida golf...bermuda grass and windy conditions are not typical during everyday play up north!
What I could have done BETTER:
- Over par holes- I had 2 doubles and 1 triple over the three rounds. Need to minimize my bad holes into bogey...no worse.
- Birdies- Not that you can control the putts falling in but I typically make a birdie or two per round.
- Greens in Regulation (GIR)-Averaged 38% over three rounds. This needs improvement!
HOW I will prepare for next week:
- Drills-Will continue to work on my ball striking to sharpen my irons.
- Putting-Will work on mechanics and distance control for long putts but also on specific drills to "make" putts. For example, I like the 8 birdie drill. Setup 8 tees around a cup anywhere from 3-20 feet. Going through your routine, see how many of these birdie opportunities you can make.
It was a good week and with a bit more polish (and less doubles/triples and more birdies!) I will be in good shape for this coming week for the SunCoast event at Imperial Lakes.
I also wanted to take an opportunity to introduce you to Tom Lynch. At the end of August, at the prompting of my mother, I decided to see Tom for a few lessons. He is located in Allentown, PA, my mom's hometown. We have been working together since then on my full-swing and short game and I am pleased with results I have seen in just a short time. I have been hitting the ball longer, stronger and definitely straighter. More of my misses are pin high or long of the green. Before seeing Tom Lynch my stroke average on the Futures tour was 80.63; my stroke average from the Albany, NY Futures event including the last 3 events (NE Open, MD Open, SunCoast-Huntington Hills) is 77.8. Very exciting! I am continuing to work with Tom Garner on my short game, putting and course management. I am fortunate to have such a great team!
That is all for now. I will be resting and practicing this weekend as well as enjoying a Neil Diamond concert and Tampa Bay Lightning game. I will tee it up again on Tuesday, October 28th so check the SunCoast Series website and look for an update from me next week!
Until then,
Mary
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